"J R R Tolkien lived at 76 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford during the years 1953-1968. We all know about the 'Lord Of The Rings' and the recent huge film success, but he also had 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return Of The King' published (1954) (sic) whilst living there. As part of the C S Lewis Tour that I once operated, I would visit the former home with visitors for photographs. On one such occasion I was offered the Fireplace surround that had been removed from Tolkiens Master Bedroom as pictured and now offered for sale. This grey fleck/burgundy coloured tiled fireplace surround is a once only opportunity for lovers of JRR Tolkien to own a part of our history that is so radically different, unique and an investment that can never be repeated! More detailed information can be seen at http://www.picturesofengland.com/oxfo ... a/tolkienmemorabilia.html

I have the original letter of authenticity from the owners of the property, who removed the surround whilst carrying out refurbishments. The document will naturally go to the new owner of the fireplace surround with the sale.

This Fireplace surround was previously offered for sale on Ebay at $250,000 which today equates to approximately £158, 207.00

Starting Price £100,000.00 Buy it Now £150,000.00 applies for the fireplace surround."

My thoughts exactly. Also, from previous experience, Firsts is woeful, from a bibliographical perspective. This will have nothing in it you don't already know. (Plus, it only claims to contain: An Annotated Checklist of the Posthumous American First Editions. One would assume it touches upon some UK editions, what with it having a picture of a UK edition on its cover. But you never know.)

BH

Posted on: 2013/2/11 1:32

_________________You drive a hard bargain – you can have it for £10 all-in – one consolation (for you) is that you do not have to hear the cries of my children, for bread...